Judicial Selection and Administration
How judges are selected and how the judiciary operates can impact the role and effectiveness of state courts. Processes for judicial selection may vary depending on both the level of court (trial, intermediate appellate, high court) and the type of vacancy being filled (interim vacancies or vacancies that open at the end of a judge’s term). The most common methods of state judicial selection are merit selection, which involves vetting of candidates by a nominating commission coupled with a retention election, nonpartisan elections, partisan elections, gubernatorial appointment, and legislative appointment. For a breakdown of each state’s judicial selection process, see this interactive map.
Judicial administration refers to the management of the court system, including judicial ethics, security systems, and access to court documents.
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What’s at Stake in the Wisconsin Supreme Court Election
An election for an open seat on Wisconsin’s high court has become the most expensive judicial race in history, highlighting the rising national stakes and increasing politicization of state judicial elections.
Everything You Need to Know About Applying For and Clerking on a State High Court
Sitting state supreme court justices from four states opened up about what they look for in applicants, what clerks do day-to-day, and more.
High Stakes Supreme Court Elections in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania
With court majorities at stake in both states, 2025 may see the most expensive judicial elections ever.
State Constitutional Resources We Love
For those who want to know more about state constitutions, a compilation of tools including case databases, interactive maps, and more.
Justices Battle for Control of the Arkansas Supreme Court
A series of disagreements — and resulting disciplinary investigations — threaten to undermine the public’s trust in the court.
Scholarship Roundup: New Year Edition
The last few months brought a rich array of articles and books about state constitutions, courts, and governance.
How the Most Important Judicial Races of 2024 Played Out
The North Carolina race has not yet been called, as the Republican candidate is challenging the eligibility of thousands of voters in litigation that remains pending.
What Do State High Court Justices Like About Their Jobs?
Seven justices opened up about the reality of sitting on a state supreme court.